Port Power Project to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions

MarineLink.com

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Photo: Port of Hueneme

The Port of Hueneme reached a milestone in its Shoreside Power Project when the Board of Harbor Commissioners approved a key funding agreement to help vessels plug into electrical power at berth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“This is a model of strong public policy working for the betterment of our community and region. The execution of the contract ensures the success of the project and will keep commerce moving while improving our air and quality of life,” said Port Commissioner President, Jason Hodge. “We extend our gratitude to Governor Brown’s administration, Senator Pavley, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District for steadfast support and commitment to the success of our Shoreside power project.”

The Board of Harbor Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a contract amendment with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) that clears the way for the Port to build the Project in a financially viable manner. The Project will allow vessels to plug into the land side electrical grid while at dock. This means the ships can shut down their dirtier diesel powered engines while in the Port.

The contract is a culmination of good government and public-public partnership among local, state and regional partners. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s administration was instrumental in issuing a directive in 2012 to provide flexibility to equipment owners and facilitate shore power electrification projects. Senator Pavley also took a leadership role by working with the Governor’s administration, the Air Resources Board (ARB) and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD )to facilitate compliance with the shore side power mandate. The ARB and SCAQMD, working with the Port, stepped up and got the job done.

“Upgrading the Port with clean energy will not only improve air quality, but it will strengthen a $1 billion economic engine in Ventura County.” Senator Pavley said.

"When these large vessels turn off their diesel engines and connect to shore power, the whole region benefits, especially nearby coastal communities which can be severely impacted," said California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols "Using shore power helps clean the air and fight climate change because it cuts smog-forming chemicals, fine particle pollution and greenhouse gases."

The Port is currently installing the state-of-the-art shore power infrastructure system on Wharf 1 to provide shore power to Berths 1, 2 and 3 for vessels regulated under the CARB At Berth Regulation. The project includes the design and construction of six shore power outlets (SPOs) (two SPOs per berth) via two sets of transformers and switchgear. This configuration allows the Port to plug in two vessels at any two of the three electrified berths simultaneously.

When completed, the system will provide significant emission reduction benefits beyond that required by ARB at Berth regulation.

Under the terms of the contract the Port is eligible for quarterly partial reimbursements of project related construction costs allowing for a faster turnaround of the grant funds that the Port was awarded under the voter-approved Proposition 1B (Prop 1B). Additional funds supporting the project come from the Ventura County Air Quality Control District.

“We’re excited to get this agreement finalized with our SCAQMD partners,” said CEO and Port Director Kristin Decas. “This contract provides the critical financing formula that will allow us to complete the construction of our state-of-the-art shore power infrastructure.”